B.C. Shoppers Urged to Know Online Rights as Holiday Sales Rise

As holiday shopping increasingly shifts online, Consumer Protection BC is reminding consumers in British Columbia of their rights when making purchases. This comes in response to a significant surge in online sales during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events.

Louise Hartland, the director of public relations at Consumer Protection BC, emphasized the importance of using a credit card for online transactions. “If you can, make your online purchases using a credit card. This will give you the most protection under B.C.’s consumer protection laws if something goes wrong, such as not receiving your package,” she stated.

With the rise in online shopping, businesses are required to provide clear information before customers confirm their purchases. This includes a detailed description of the product, currency, delivery method, and any relevant cancellation, return, or refund policies. If a business intends to leave a package unattended or deliver it to someone else at the address, this must also be disclosed prior to the transaction.

Once a purchase is finalized, shoppers should receive a detailed receipt within 15 days. This receipt must include important business details, the total cost, refund policies, and the expected delivery date. If a package does not arrive within 30 days of the promised delivery, consumers are entitled to cancel the contract. In such cases, it is advised to contact the business to request a refund. Businesses have 15 days to process refund requests. If this request is denied, consumers can seek assistance from their credit card provider.

In instances where both the business and credit card company decline the refund, individuals are encouraged to report the transaction to Consumer Protection BC. The agency warns that the seller may be in violation of provincial law under such circumstances.

“We know the holiday shopping season can be stressful and the last thing you want to deal with is not having a gift for someone because you didn’t receive it,” Hartland added. The agency also highlighted that consumers can find resources on its website for assistance.

The reminder from Consumer Protection BC comes as online sales are already reaching new heights this holiday season. According to Salesforce, Canadian online spending increased by nine percent over the Black Friday weekend compared to 2024, with Cyber Monday expected to break further records as shoppers look for deals.

As consumers navigate the busy holiday shopping season, being informed about their rights can help ensure a smoother experience and protect them from potential issues.